Soft Fried Chives Recipe: Delicious & Easy Dough Recipe

Soft fried chives, or韭菜盒子 (jiǔcài hézi) as they're known in Mandarin, are a beloved Chinese street food offering a delightful balance of crispy and soft textures. These savory pastries, filled with fragrant chives and a subtly seasoned dough, are a perfect snack or light meal, enjoyed hot and fresh. Their irresistible combination of crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful filling makes them a crowd-pleaser, equally satisfying on a casual weeknight or a celebratory occasion. The unique preparation method ensures a perfectly soft, yet slightly chewy, interior that complements the crispness of the fried exterior.

This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving that perfect balance, guiding you through creating both the flavorful chives filling and the wonderfully pliable dough. Ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade soft fried chives? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of these irresistible treats!

Tools Needed

  • mixing bowl
  • stove
  • aluminum mold
  • steamer
  • pot or pan

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Batter

  • Mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and sweet soy sauce until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil to reduce vinegar smell, then cool completely. Add fresh chili.
  • Wash 300 grams of chives, cut off hard parts, and chop into 1 cm pieces. Season with pepper, seasoning powder (optional), salt, baking soda, sugar, soy sauce, oil, and garlic.
  • Mix flours (foot flour, grandma flour, cassava flour, rice flour). Add water and stir until smooth.
  • Combine the chives mixture with the flour mixture. Pour into an aluminum mold.
Prepare the dipping sauce: Mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and sweet soy sauce until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil to reduce vinegar smell, then cool completely. Add fresh chili.Mix flours (foot flour, grandma flour, cassava flour, rice flour). Add water and stir until smooth.Combine the chives mixture with the flour mixture. Pour into an aluminum mold.
Prepare the Ingredients and Batter

Step 2. Steam and Knead the Dough

  • Steam for 20 minutes over medium heat. Mix the flour before steaming.
  • After steaming, let cool completely. Then knead the dough again until it's elastic.
Steam for 20 minutes over medium heat. Mix the flour before steaming.
Steam and Knead the Dough

Step 3. Fry the Chive Cakes

  • Heat oil in a pot or pan. Roll the dough into bite-sized pieces.
  • Fry over medium-low heat until golden yellow. Don't stir initially. Lower heat to prevent burning.
Heat oil in a pot or pan. Roll the dough into bite-sized pieces.Fry over medium-low heat until golden yellow. Don't stir initially. Lower heat to prevent burning.
Fry the Chive Cakes

Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)

Tips

  • Mix the flour thoroughly before steaming to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Use medium-low heat when frying to prevent burning and ensure the inside is cooked through.

Nutrition

  • Calories: Information not provided
  • Fat: Information not providedg
  • Carbs: Information not providedg
  • Protein: Information not providedg

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the chives with other vegetables?

Yes! Scallions, leeks, or even a mix of greens can be used, though the flavor will be different.

2. How can I prevent the dough from sticking?

Ensure your work surface and rolling pin are lightly dusted with flour. Also, use a little extra oil when frying.

3. How do I store leftover soft fried chives?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.


With a little practice, you'll be mastering the art of perfectly soft fried chives in no time. These delicious pastries are a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and savory filling – happy cooking!